The Gus Diaries

Part 148

Justin's Holiday IV
 

“Okay, Sonny Boy, I know why Justin is as nervous as a fucking virgin in Babylon, but why do you look like you’re about to jump out of your skin? You were more relaxed at your first basketball game at CMU.”

Dad always has such a way with words. Although I have to admit, he does know how to make his point pretty damn clear. “I guess I’m just really excited for Pop. He’s about to have two paintings added to the Warhol as part of a special exhibition. This is huge.”

“Huge for him, not for you. I’m far from old, nor was I born yesterday. You’re acting a shit load more than empathetic.” Dad pointed to the archway framing the entrance to the special exhibits room. “If you spend any more time looking at the empty space there, I might think you’re seeing paintings that don’t exist. The family will all arrive in plenty of time for the festivities. None of them would miss the free food, and especially the free drinks.”

“Uncle Emmett sure has provided an incredible spread here. Did you recommend him to the museum?”

“I would have, but I didn’t need to. He’s made a name for himself and his catering company all on his own merit.”

I nodded as I suddenly realized I was nibbling at the edge of my thumb. I think it’s a habit I picked up from Pop. Unfortunately Dad knows all of our nervous habits and is too observant to miss any of them or let them pass.

“Are you going to tell me, or am I going to be blindsided and have to get pissed off at you on a night that should be all about Justin and his special recognition?”

“Dad.” I tried to shut him up, but he just kept glaring at me and had me backed into a corner. I glanced over at Jeff, hoping he’d save me, but he shook his head. He knew better than to get in between me and Dad. To be honest, after I told them what I’d said to Mr. Taylor, Jeff and Marci were both concerned my invitation wasn’t the best idea, but it was done and now all I could do was wait and see if Craig Taylor showed up.

“Gus,” Dad whispered, “tell me exactly what has you on edge and why your little friends have made it a point to stay away from me all night.”

“Fine.” I took a deep breath. “I was really upset about how Pop’s holiday was going. It was like Christmas and the New Year were all clouded by his sadness about his father.”

“I explained all that to you. I’ll help him get through this. That’s what fucking husbands do. Why is it bothering you now?”

“I hated knowing Pop’s father didn’t love him unconditionally. You and Pop have never let me think anything other than that you would willingly walk through fire for me.”

Dad nodded. “A little dramatic, but accurate nonetheless. So what does that have to do with all your nervous energy tonight?”

“Pop needs to know how much he’s loved and what a great father he is. I’m not sure he understands how much I love him and how much I want him to be happy and feel good about everyone and everything in his life.”

“That’s a noble concept, but I’m not following you, Sonny Boy.”

“I kinda went out on a limb.”

Dad raised an eyebrow. “How did you go out on a limb?” There was a new edge to his voice.

“By visiting Craig Taylor.”

“You did what!” The anger in his voice was evident, yet he kept his volume to just above a whisper. He looked toward the far end of the room where Pop was standing with one of the museum curators. They were standing in front of his two canvases.

“I went to Craig Taylor’s house.”

“Alone!”

“No. Marci and Jeff waited for me in the car while I spoke to him at his door.”

“At least you haven’t totally lost your mind.” Dad looked me up and down. “You weren’t thrown in jail for trespassing, which he was kind enough to do to Justin once, and you’re still in one piece. So what the fuck happened?”

“Not much.” Dad continued to glare but remained silent so I continued. “His wife is nice and his little kid sounded okay. Mr. Taylor eventually came to the door and listened to what I had to say, for a minute or two.” I looked Dad directly in the eyes. “I told him what a great son he has and how much he’s missing by not letting him into his life. And I made sure to let him know how much I love my Pop and what a great father he is.”

“And?”

“And I invited him to the opening tonight.”

Dad ran his hand through his hair. “You shouldn’t have done that Gus. Justin spent a lot of time agonizing over whether or not to send an invitation to that ungrateful, callous bastard and you jumped in and usurped his decision.”

“Shit. I had no idea.” I looked around the room and toward the entrance. “He probably won’t come anyway. It looks like everyone else is here.”

“Lucky for you everyone is here, or I might have had time to really ream you out.”

“How about some of that unconditional love?” I tried to make a joke but it fell flat.

“Never doubt how much Justin and I love you. But right now, I just hope you didn’t set off a chain of events that could blow up in all our faces.” Dad stood tall, smoothed his lapels, and glanced at Pop. “Right now I’m going to walk over to Justin and be the supportive man behind the artist. This night had better be everything your Pop wants it to be or there’ll be fucking hell to pay.”

Dad turned and walked straight to Justin, wrapping an arm around his shoulders as he continued to talk to the curator. Dad grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter moving through the crowd, downed it in one gulp and placed it back on the tray. I kind of wished I could do the same.

No sooner had Jeff, Marci, and her boyfriend, Rick, returned to my side than I nearly choked. At the entrance were Craig Taylor and his wife. Both were dressed for the gallery opening.

I could tell the moment Pop saw them. His eyes opened so wide, I could see them from almost twenty feet away.

Mr. Taylor walked directly to Pop. He shook his hand and by his gestures, obviously introduced his wife, Lori, who smiled and shook Pop’s hand and then Dad’s.

Waiting for about ten seconds, I glanced at my friends. “I’d better go over and make sure this doesn’t become the stupidest and most destructive thing I’ve ever done.”

As I approached, Lori smiled at me and Craig nodded in my direction. “This is the young man who bravely came to my door singing the praises of his talented father. It made me wish I’d gotten to know that talented man better. It sounded like he was someone naturally gifted in the fine arts, as well as in the fine art of parenting, something I didn’t come by nearly as easily.”

Pop looked shocked and didn’t respond.

Dad looked directly at Craig. “Justin Taylor taught me almost everything I know about parenting, and, without question, everything I know about how to love. He’s probably the finest man I know which is why I’ve made sure he’s never cut me loose despite the fact that he’s probably had plenty of reason over the years.”

“You’ve been together all these years?” It sounded like a cross between a question and surprise, with possibly a slight touch of admiration, but I could be experiencing wishful thinking about the last part.

Pop finally found his voice. “Gus, you invited him?”

“I knew you wanted to see how he was doing, and I was pretty sure he would want to see how successful you are. I know I should have probably asked someone first, but I just think you’re so amazing and I wanted to do this for you. I just hope it wasn’t a huge mistake.” I spoke so fast I wasn’t sure anyone, let alone Pop, could understand me.

Finishing the drink he was holding, Pop placed his empty glass on a nearby table.

Returning to our unlikely little circle, Pop stood between Dad and me. I noticed Jeff remaining close by, without moving into our circle, as did several of our closest family -- Grandma Jen, Grandma Debbie, Uncle Michael and Aunt Daphne. Jeff nodded at me, as did Uncle Michael. I don’t think I could have continued standing tall if I didn’t know they were there, supporting us, the whole time.

“Welcome to the Warhol.” Pop looked directly at Mr. Taylor. “I hope you enjoy the exhibit.” He took a deep breath. “I understand my son gave you an invitation.”

Mr. Taylor’s eyes widened as he looked from Pop to me and back again. “He really has become your son, hasn’t he?”

“I’ve always thought of Gus as mine.” Pop smiled. “I named him.”

Dad snorted but refrained from making any further comments. It probably wouldn’t have been prudent to reveal any further details about their first night together. Pop wasn’t even fazed by Dad’s reaction.

Mr. Taylor looked at me. “I gather that’s what you meant when you told Lori we were kind of related.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I wouldn’t mind if you called me Craig.”

I nodded, but said nothing more.

“Justin, your work is exquisite. All those years your mother took you to art museums seem to have paid off. I would imagine your natural talent comes from her. She always had an eye for the artistic quality in anything.”

“Justin’s work is brilliant, and completely due to his own determination, drive, and vision,” Dad interrupted. “Although I don’t doubt Jennifer’s support, no one can create like this without an innate gift.”

Despite Craig’s former avoidance of eye contact with Dad, he did nod in his direction. “I stand corrected.” Returning his gaze to Pop, he continued. “Justin, you can feel free to invite me to your shows in the future.”

“Can I feel free to invite you to speak to me in between? How have you been feeling since I tried to get in touch with you?”

“The treatments seem to be going smoothly. Radiation can be difficult, but he’s faring well,” Lori interjected.

“I’m sure you’re a great support to my father. I know from past experience what it’s like to stand behind someone with cancer. He’s lucky to have you.”

Dad started rubbing Pop’s back. I understood where both of them were coming from. Uncle Michael had told me how supportive Pop was when Dad was first diagnosed with cancer despite Dad’s interest in being left alone. I’m just glad he’s had great follow-ups ever since.

“Justin, I am lucky to have Lori in my life.” He averted his eyes. “I’d like to come to more of these events, but beyond that…” He glared at Dad and then looked directly at Pop once again. “I don’t think we should try to do anything more.”

Dad grabbed two glasses of wine from a waiter’s tray as the man was passing. He handed one to Pop and kept the other, taking a quick sip before he spoke. “I’ll make sure to leave your wife Justin’s contact information. I’m sure he’ll care if you take a turn for the worse. He’s got a big heart.” The emphasis was clear and I could understand why Pop always found disappointment in this man who supposedly loved him… at one time.

Pop turned to Dad and gave him a kiss. “Thank you. I need to go meet with some of my other guests as well as the press.” He glanced back at Craig Taylor. “I hope you stay healthy. Maybe someday your emotional health will also find its way back to a better state than it’s in now.”

As Pop began to walk away, Dad softly encouraged him. “Go get ‘em, Sunshine. I’m in awe of everything about you, as is everyone else here.” He glanced at Mr. Taylor. “Well almost everyone.”

Finding my voice once again, while Pop was still in hearing distance, I stepped between Dad and Mr. Taylor – referring to him as Craig seemed too personal. “You don’t know what you’re missing by not having a relationship with your son. He’s the most amazing father, and the kind of man I hope to become.”

Before I realized what was happening, Pop had returned and gave me a huge hug. “I couldn’t be prouder to be your father, and I will always love you no matter what you ever say or do. Nothing can change how I feel.”

I hugged Pop tight and then stepped back. He and I both swiped our eyes simultaneously and laughed.

“Now if you two would stop the love-fest, it’s time for my genius of a husband to mingle and make contacts. And, Sunshine, if you see any good prospects who might be interested in advertising their insane products to the masses, send them my way – because I have no other use for any of them.”

Pop chuckled. “Even the hot ones?”

“I’ve got the hottest – hell, I’ve got the best -- no need for seconds.”

I barely sent a glance toward Craig Taylor. Then I looked at my fathers and then Jeff and the rest of my family. I was pretty sure I had the best of everything too.

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